In the wake of a crushing defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections 2025, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi offered what she described as “unsolicited advice” to the Opposition bloc she belongs to, emphasizing the need to engage with women voters more seriously.

The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc, contesting Bihar elections under the banner of the Mahagathbandhan, was reduced to a mere 30 seats after several rounds of counting by the Election Commission of India on Friday, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) surged ahead, leading in 180 constituencies and securing victories in 22 by 5 pm. The shocking results marked a humbling moment for the Opposition, which had hoped to consolidate anti-incumbency sentiment against the ruling alliance.

Chaturvedi, taking to X, offered pointed advice directed at her fellow Opposition leaders. “Dear Opposition leaders. Unsolicited advise. Speak to the women of the country. An alternative cannot be without them,” she wrote, highlighting the critical role women voters played in shaping the electoral outcome. Her post followed another she shared featuring a news article titled, ‘Bihar women shatter records, turnout 8.8 percentage points more than men’, underlining how women’s participation had surged and influenced results.

The response to her post was largely supportive, with social media users applauding her focus on substantive analysis rather than the usual post-poll narratives of blame and speculation. One user commented, “Finally someone has truly analyzed the outcome of this election rather than just saying vote chori and death of democracy.” Another pointed out that the Congress and the broader Opposition need to focus on real issues instead of internal conflicts, emphasizing the necessity of a strong Opposition for democratic health.

The Mahagathbandhan, dominated by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) led by Tejashwi Yadav and the Congress, fell significantly short of expectations. Even exit polls had predicted a modest recovery for the Opposition, but the NDA, led by Janata Dal (United) and the BJP, exceeded not only these projections but also the expectations of its own leaders. Earlier this month, BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had forecast a tally of 160-180 seats for the NDA, a prediction that turned out to be accurate as results poured in.

Political analysts point out that the Bihar election underscored a wider trend across Indian politics: women voters are increasingly decisive, with their turnout often determining the outcome in tightly contested regions. In this election, the women’s voter turnout rose to 71.6% from 59.69% in 2020, contributing significantly to the NDA’s landslide victory. Chaturvedi’s post is therefore not just a reflection on Bihar but a broader commentary on the need for Opposition parties to recalibrate their engagement strategies to include women’s aspirations and concerns.

Her advice also implicitly critiques the Opposition’s focus in the Bihar elections. While internal disputes, “friendly fights,” and ticket distribution conflicts hurt the INDIA bloc’s cohesion, the lack of a concerted strategy to reach women voters—a growing and politically influential demographic—further weakened their performance. Experts have noted that women voters responded strongly to welfare measures, social empowerment initiatives, and schemes targeting education and economic independence, largely benefiting the NDA’s narrative in the campaign.

Chaturvedi’s post is also significant because it signals an attempt from within the Opposition to adopt a forward-looking approach. By urging her colleagues to prioritize women, she emphasizes the need for substantive engagement over identity politics and short-term vote calculations. Observers suggest that such a shift could be crucial for the Opposition to rebuild credibility and relevance in states like Bihar, where voter expectations have evolved considerably.

The Bihar results also highlight the challenges facing the Mahagathbandhan leadership. Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD, despite commanding a significant support base, was unable to translate its historical vote bank into an electoral advantage. Congress, similarly, struggled to consolidate anti-incumbency sentiment, reflecting persistent organizational and strategic weaknesses. Chaturvedi’s counsel, therefore, is a call for introspection: the Opposition cannot afford to rely solely on legacy or traditional alliances; it must actively connect with the evolving priorities of voters, particularly women.

Political observers note that Chaturvedi’s emphasis on women is timely. Across India, women’s political participation has grown steadily, and parties that fail to engage with their aspirations risk electoral irrelevance. Bihar’s record turnout among women voters demonstrates that targeted welfare policies, communication strategies, and empowerment initiatives resonate strongly with this demographic, influencing both turnout and voting preferences.

In the aftermath of the results, the INDIA bloc faces a critical juncture. While immediate reactions from party leaders have centered around blaming internal fissures and misaligned strategies, voices like Chaturvedi’s offer a roadmap for rebuilding. She underscores the importance of recalibrating campaign narratives, engaging meaningfully with women voters, and focusing on issues that resonate with everyday life rather than political posturing.

Chaturvedi’s post also resonates beyond Bihar, reflecting broader challenges for the Opposition at the national level. In a political landscape where voter expectations are increasingly shaped by development outcomes, welfare measures, and governance performance, parties that fail to address the concerns of women—a key electoral segment—risk repeated setbacks. Analysts suggest that the Bihar experience should serve as a wake-up call for the Opposition, compelling them to rethink outreach strategies, policy priorities, and coalition dynamics.

In conclusion, Priyanka Chaturvedi’s intervention, though brief, carries significant political weight. By highlighting the pivotal role of women voters, she offers the Opposition a clear lesson from the Bihar debacle: electoral relevance in contemporary India requires inclusive engagement, policy responsiveness, and a willingness to move beyond traditional vote banks. As the dust settles from the Bihar elections 2025, her message stands out as a call to action for leaders seeking to rebuild trust, strengthen their voter base, and remain politically competitive in an increasingly dynamic electoral environment.

The results from Bihar may have been a humbling experience for the Mahagathbandhan, but Chaturvedi’s advice provides a blueprint for future strategy—one that places women at the heart of political engagement and recognizes their growing influence in shaping India’s democratic landscape.